186 6 -189 J 


Srom  t^e  feiBrarp  of 
(pxofmox  nrifftam  (gtiffer  (pajton,  ®.®.,  fe&.®. 

to  f  3e  fet6rarg  of 
(J>rinceton  C^eofogiccif  ^eminarjj 

BV  1521  .E34  1892 
Elizabeth  (N.J.). 

Westminster  Presbyterian 
Westminster  Sabbath-School, 

Elizabeth,  New  Jersey         i 


r 


Westminster  ^af)t)atf);^ct)ool 


APR  20  1912 


Westminster  ^abbat|)#e|)ool. 


ELIZABETH,   NEW   JERSEY. 


TWENTY- FIFTH   ANNIVERSARY, 
June  7,  1891. 


1866-1891. 


Neijj  gorft: 

ANSON  D.  F.  RANDOLPH   &   COMPANY. 


Copyright,  1892, 

By  Anson  D.  F.  Randolph  &  Company, 

(incorporated). 


SEnifatrBitg  ^Pwsa: 
John  Wilson  and  Son,  Cambridge. 


y^(9    Mr.   A.    W.   Dimock   the   thanks   of   the 
Superintendefit  are  due,  for  his   beautifid 
and  artistic  work  in  preparing  the  photographs 
of  the  Sabbath-school. 


►5"      ^      ^      >i» 


Acknowledgments  are  made  to  Messrs.  Pierson 
Brothers,  for  permissio7i  to  copy  their  photograph 
of  the  church  on  Anniversary  night. 


CONTENTS. 


Pack 

Order  of  Exercises 6 

Report  of  John  Davidson 15 

The  Fishermen's  Jug 38 

Church  Attendance      44 


ORDER  OF  EXERCISES. 


ORDER  OF  EXERCISES. 


^rocc^iefional  I^pmit. 


FORWARD    BE    OUR    WATCHWORD. 


Music  by  J.  C.  Knox. 


Forward  be  our  watchword, 

Steps  and  voices  joined ; 
Seek  the  things  before  us, 

Not  a  look  behind. 
Burns  the  fiery  pillar, 

At  our  army's  head ; 
Who  shall  dream  of  shrinking 

By  our  Captain  led  ? 
Forward  thro'  the  desert. 

Thro'  the  toil  and  fight, 
Jordan  flows  before  us, 

Zion  beams  with  light. 


Into  God's  high  temple. 

Onward  as  we  press. 
Beauty  spreads  around  us. 

Born  of  holiness. 
Arch  and  vault  and  carving, 

Lights  of  varied  tone  ; 
Softened  words  and  holy. 

Prayer  and  praise  alone. 
Every  thought  upraising 

To  our  city  bright, 
Where  the  tribes  assemble 

Round  the  throne  of  light. 


Glories  upon  glories 

Hath  our  God  prepared; 
By  the  souls  that  love  him. 

One  day  to  be  shared. 
Eye  hath  not  beheld  them, 

Ear  hath  never  heard  ; 
Nor  of  these  hath  uttered 

Tho't  or  speech  a  word. 
Forward,  marching  eastward. 

Where  the  heav'n  is  bright. 
Till  the  veil  be  lifted, 

Till  our  faith  be  sight. 


To  the  Eternal  Father 

Loudest  anthems  raise ; 
To  the  Son  and  Spirit 

Echo  songs  of  praise. 
To  the  Lord  of  glory. 

Blessed  Three  in  One, 
Be  by  men  and  angels 

Endless  honors  done. 
Weak  are  earthly  praises. 

Dull  the  songs  of  night ; 
Forward  into  triumph, 

Forward  into  light  !     Amen. 

6 


meaning  tfte  J>cripture^. 

REV.  JOHN  F.  PINGRY,  PH.  D. 

ANGEL   VOICES. 

Words  by  Rev.  Francis  Pott.    Music  by  Sir  Arthur  Seymour 
Sullivan. 

Angel  voices,  ever  singing 

Round  Thy  throne  of  light; 
Angel  harps,  forever  ringing, 

Rest  not  day  nor  night ; 
Thousands  only  live  to  bless  Thee, 

And  confess  Thee,  Lord  of  might! 

Thou,  who  art  beyond  the  farthest 

Mental  eye  can  scan. 
Can  it  be  that  thou  regardest 

Songs  of  sinful  man? 
Can  we  feel  that  Thou  art  near  us, 

And  wilt  hear  us  ?     Yea,  we  can. 

Here,  great  God,  to-day  we  offer 

Of  Thine  own  to  Thee ; 
And  for  Thine  acceptance  proffer, 

All  unworthily, 
Hearts  and  minds,  and  hands  and  voices, 

In  our  choicest  melody.     Amen. 

draper. 

By  our  Pastor,  Rev.  JOHN  W.  TEAL,  D.D. 
7 


HARK!   HARK!   MY  SOUL. 

Words  by  Rev.  Frederick  W.  Faber.     Music  by  W.  C.  Williams. 

Hark  !  hark !  my  soul !  Angelic  songs  are  swelling 
O'er  earth's  green  fields  and  ocean's  wave-beat  shore : 

How  sweet  the  truth  those  blessed  strains  are  telling 
Of  that  new  life  when  sin  shall  be  no  more ! 

Chorus. 
Angels  of  Jesus,  angels  of  light, 

Singing  to  welcome  the  pilgrims  of  the  night, 
Angels  of  Jesus,  angels  of  light. 

Singing  to  welcome  the  pilgrims  of  the  night. 

Onward  we  go,  for  still  we  hear  them  singing, 
"  Come,  weary  souls,  for  Jesus  bids  you  come," 

And  through  the  dark  its  echoes  sweetly  ringing, 
The  music  of  the  Gospel  leads  us  home. 
CJio)  us. 

Far,  far  away,  like  bells  at  evening  pealing, 
The  voice  of  Jesus  sounds  o'er  land  and  sea, 

And  laden  souls  by  thousands  meekly  stealing, 
Kind  Shepherd,  turn  their  weary  steps  to  Thee. 
Cho7-7ts. 

Rest  comes  at  length,  though  life  be  long  and  drear};-, 
The  day  must  dawn,  and  darksome  night  be  past ; 

Faith's  journey  ends  in  welcome  to  the  weary. 
And  heaven,  the  heart's  true  home,  will  come  at  last. 
Chorus. 

Angels,  sing  on  !   your  faithful  watches  keeping ; 

Sing  us  sweet  fragments  of  the  songs  above  ; 
The  morning's  joy  shall  end  the  night  of  weeping, 

And  life's  long  shadow  break  in  cloudless  love. 
Chorus. 

8 


^iqjcnntentimt*^  ticpott. 


NO   SHADOWS  YONDER. 

From  Gaul's  "Holy  City." 


Ckonis. 
No  shadows  yonder ! 

All  light  and  song ! 
Each  day  I  wonder, 

And  say,  "  How  long 
Shall  time  me  sunder 

From  that  dear  throng  ?  " 


III. 
Quartet. 
No  partings  yonder! 

Time  and  space  never 
Again  shall  sunder, 

Hearts  cannot  sever; 
Dearer  and  fonder, 
Hands  clasp  forever. 


Solo  {Tenor). 
No  weeping  yonder ! 

All  fled  away  ! 
While  here  I  wander 

Each  weary  day; 
And  sigh  as  I  ponder 

My  long,  long  stay. 


IV. 

Chorus. 
None  wanting  yonder ! 

Bought  by  the  Lamb ! 
All  gathered  under 

The  ever-green  palm ; 
Loud  as  night's  thunder 

Ascends  the  glad  psalm. 


Rev.  a.  F.  SCHAUFFLER,  D.  D. 


THOU  CROWNEST  THE  YEAR  WITH  THY 
GOODNESS. 

Words  by  May  R.  Smith.    Music  by  W.  C.  Williams. 

Dear  Lord  !   Thou  crownest  all  the  year 
With  goodness  bountiful  and  rare ; 

And  looking  backward  there  appear 
Bright  mercies  glowing  everywhere. 

Chorus. 
Dear  Lord !   Thou  crownest  all  the  year 

With  goodness  bountiful  and  rare ; 
And  looking  backward  there  appear 

Bright  mercies  glowing  everywhere. 
Each  day  we  live  hath  in  its  hold 

Enough  to  make  our  faces  shine 
With  full  content  and  grace  untold, 

If  we  but  catch  the  mystic  sign. 

We  know  we  have  not  said  or  done 
The  best  that  we  could  do  or  say ; 

And  many  a  duty  one  by  one 

Has  dropped  unfinished  by  the  way. 

Chorus. 
We  know  we  have  not  said  or  done 

The  best  that  we  could  do  or  say ; 
And  many  a  duty  one  by  one 

Has  dropped  unfinished  by  the  way ; 
And  yet  each  little  good  we  wrought 

Sent  back  an  answer  fresh  and  sweet, 
And  to  our  life  more  fragrance  brought, 

Than  violets  blooming  at  our  feet. 
lO 


And  yet,  in  every  year  there  are 

Some  days  more  hallowed  than  the  rest; 

Some  hours  that  seem  so  bright  and  fair, 
We  cannot  choose  but  love  them  best. 

Chorus. 

And  yet,  in  every  year  there  are 

Some  days  more  hallowed  than  the  rest; 
Some  hours  that  look  so  bright  and  fair, 

We  cannot  choose  but  love  them  best. 
And  so,  from  out  the  blessed  days. 

That  make  the  happy  golden  year, 
We  give  to  this  our  loving  praise, 

And  bring  our  grateful  tribute  here. 

Dear  Lord  !   we  thank  Thee  for  the  year, 
The  gracious  year  that  now  is  past; 

Thy  patient  kindness  we  revere. 

Thy  goodness  crowned  it  to  the  last. 

Chorits. 

Dear  Lord  !   we  thank  Thee  for  the  year, 

The  gracious  year  that  now  is  past ; 
Thy  patient  kindness  we  revere. 

Thy  goodness  crowned  it  to  the  last. 
Be  nearer  still  in  days  to  come. 

Forgive  us  when  we  go  astray. 
For  we  shall  never  reach  our  Home, 

Unless  Thou  keep'st  us  in  the  way. 


Rev.  JOHN  W.  TEAL,  D.  D. 

Announcement  of  Jamesf  on  tlje  Holl  of  l^onor. 

II 


TEN  THOUSAND  TIMES  TEN  THOUSAND. 

Words  by  Rev.  Henry  Alford.     Music  by  Rev.  John  Bacchus 
Dykes. 

Ten  thousand  times  ten  thousand 

In  sparkling  raiment  bright, 
The  armies  of  the  ransomed  saints 

Throng  up  the  steeps  of  light. 
'T  is  finished,  all  is  finished. 

Their  fight  with  death  and  sin : 
Fling  open  wide  the  golden  gates, 

And  let  the  victors  in. 

What  rush  of  Hallelujahs 

Fills  all  the  earth  and  sky ; 
What  ringing  of  a  thousand  harps 

Bespeaks  the  triumph  nigh ! 
Oh  day  for  which  creation 

And  all  its  tribes  were  made  ! 
Oh  joy  for  all  its  former  woes, 

A  thousand  fold  repaid  ! 

Oh  then  what  raptured  greetings 

On  Canaan's  happy  shore  ! 
What  knitting  severed  friendships  up, 

Where  partings  are  no  more ! 
Then  eyes  with  joy  shall  sparkle 

That  brimmed  with  tears  of  late; 
Orphans  no  longer  fatherless, 

Nor  widows  desolate.     Amen. 


25enetiiction. 

12 


">.rl 


ORGANIZATION. 


Rev.  JOHN  W.  TEAL,   D.  D. 
JOHN    DAVIDSON      .     .     . 
Mr.   FREDERICK  K.   DAY  > 
Mrs.  a.  p.  RANNEY  \ 

Mrs.  JOSEPH  CROSS    .    . 
Mr.  henry  a.  HAINES  . 
Mr.  CLAUDE   DEUTSCH. 
Mr.  FREDERICK   H.  PIERSON 
Mr.  LEWIS  THOMPSON         ^ 
Mr.  CHARLES   ROLLINSON  j 
FRANCIS  JORDAN,  Esq..    .    . 


Pastor. 
Superintendent. 

Ass't  Superintendents. 

Suft  of  Infant  Dep't. 
Secretary  and  Treasurer. 
Assistant  Secretary. 
Librarian. 

Assistant  Librarians. 
Treas.  of  Mission  Fund. 


TEACHERS. 


Mrs.  Archibald  Barklie. 
Mr.  Archibald  Barklie. 
Mrs.  E.  M.  Brown. 
Mr.  S.  J.  Berry,  Jr. 
Mr.  Clarence  Berry. 
Miss  Christine  Baker. 
Mrs.  Joseph  Cross. 
Mrs.  R.  B.  CissEL. 
Joseph  Cross,  Esq. 
Mr.  J.  Harvey  Cory. 
Mr.  Chas.  F.  Coaney. 
Mr.  C.  H.  Clark. 
J.  H.  CORWIN,  Esq. 
Mrs.  James  Davidson. 
Miss  Frances  E.  Deane. 
Robert  Davidson,  Esq. 
Mr.  Frederick  K.  Day. 
Mr.  Wm.  M.  Deutsch. 
Mr.  Benjamin  Darby. 


Mrs.  H.  C.  FOLGER,  Jr. 
Mrs.  John  Gillespie. 
Miss  M.  W.  Kellogg. 
Miss  Harriet  B.  Kellogg. 
Mrs.  Thomas  King. 
Miss  Elizabeth  Mulford. 
Miss  Mary  Mulford. 
Mrs.  F.  H.  PiERSON. 
Miss  M.  H.  PiERSON. 
Rev.  J.  F.  Pingry,  Ph.  D. 
Mr.  Robert  R.  Pierce. 
Mr.  Henry  S.  Prentiss. 
Miss  Johanna  Robinson. 
Mr.  Joseph  Ranney. 
Miss  C.  M.  Smith. 
Miss  E.  Smith. 
Mrs.  E.  P.  Thompson. 
Mr.  Wm.  P.  Toler. 
Miss  Sarah  Whitehead. 


Mr.  W.  W.  Howarth,  Musical  Director. 
Miss  Charlotte  M.  King,  Accompanist. 
Mr.  Frederic  C.  Baumann,  Organist. 

13 


REPORT  OF  JOHN  DAVIDSON, 

SUPERINTENDENT. 
June  7,  1891. 


14 


REPORT  OF  JOHN  DAVIDSON. 

SUPERINTENDENT. 
June  7,  I891. 


HE    Sabbath-school    of    Westminster 
Presbyterian    Church,   of   Elizabeth, 
to-night     celebrates     its     twenty-fifth 
anniversary. 

It  is  but  simple  justice  to  the  men  and 
women  who  founded  this  Sabbath-school,  and 
to  those  who  now  labor  therein,  that  on  this 
quarter-centennial  occasion  we  should  look  over 
the  past,  see  the  path  wherein  the  Lord  has  led 
us,  and  from  this  retrospective  glance  gather 
strength  and  resolution  to  add  to  our  courage 
for  the  future.  Nothing  is  set  down  here  in 
self-glorification  ;  the  facts  are  told.  The  work, 
the  honor,  the  victory,  the  glory,  all  belong  to 
Him.  Not  unto  us,  not  unto  us,  but  unto  Thy 
name.  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  be  the 
glory,  praise,  and  thanksgiving  for  ever  and 
ever.     Amen. 

15 


When  the  one  hundred  members  of  the 
Second  Presbyterian  Church  of  this  city  re- 
solved to  estabHsh  the  Westminster  Presbyte- 
rian Church,  a  few  of  the  faithful  ones,  eighteen 
in  number,  met  to  organize  a  Sabbath-school, — 
a  church  among  the  children.  This  meeting 
was  held  five  days  before  the  first  meeting  as 
a  church  and  congregation.  It  took  place  at 
the  residence  of  Dr.  A.  W.  Kingsley,  on  Tues- 
day evening,  Feb.  27,  1866.  William  F.  Day, 
Esq.,  was  chosen  chairman,  and  Mr.  Henry 
Seymour,  secretary. 

Rev.  John  F.  Pingry  was  elected  superin- 
tendent; Mr.  Henry  Seymour,  assistant  super- 
intendent; and  Mr.  Henry  M.  Baker,  librarian. 
The  first  session  of  the  school  was  held  on  the 
following  Sabbath,  March  4,  1866,  in  Library 
Hall.  Eighteen  officers  and  teachers  and  eighty- 
six  scholars  were  present.  A  missionary  spirit 
was  early  infused  into  this  school ;  for  on  that 
first  day  of  meeting,  a  missionary  society  was 
organized.  From  that  day  to  this,  Westminster 
Sabbath-school  has  kept  up  and  urged  forward 
the  good  work  of  sending  the  glad  tidings  to 
others. 

Dr.  Pingry  continued  to  act  as  superintend- 
ent, with  great  acceptance  to  the  teachers  and 
scholars,  until  his  resignation  on   the  third  day 

16 


1 


^-^TKi^  Txhhi 
WiLLiAM   r.  DAY, 

©aa.<»    of  its  C"!»-jAi:«st 
r!e1-ot4^d.    texcii-ci^,   ^-Ixo 

/i)  J      ZtiJtf    tatifi     ft  tin'! 


of  October,  1866,  when  Mr.  George  T.  Mulford 
was  elected  superintendent  for  the  unexpired 
term.  At  the  next  annual  meeting,  held  in 
June,  1877,  Mr.  Mulford  was  re-elected. 

In  November,  1867,  a  teachers'  Bible-class  was 
organized,  with  William  F.  Day,  Esq.,  as  teacher. 
At  the  annual  meeting,  held  June  17,  1868,  Mr. 
George  T.  Mulford  was  again  re-elected.  During 
Mr.  Mulford's  term  of  office  the  school  increased 
in  numbers  and  interest.  The  singing  was  of  a 
high  order;  and  under  his  direction,  ably  sup- 
ported by  Mr.  R.  S.  Lewis  and  Mr.  Wm.  C. 
Williams,  it  became  a  special  feature  in  our 
services. 

In  June,  1869,  William  F.  Day,  Esq.,  was 
elected  superintendent,  and  resigned  September 
10,  the  same  year;  but  finding  none  who  could 
so  well  supply  his  place,  he  was  re-elected,  and 
served  this  school  with  great  ability  and  fidelity 
until  his  death,  on  the  sixth  day  of  April,  1870. 
As  a  tribute  to  his  faithful  work  for  the  school, 
and  as  a  testimonial  of  the  love  and  apprecia- 
tion of  the  school  for  him,  a  becoming  marble 
tablet  was  placed,  and  is  now  to  be  seen,  on 
one  of  the  walls  of  our  Sabbath-school  room. 
As  a  further  mark  of  love  and  regard,  it  was 
unanimously  resolved  that  the  office  of  superin- 
tendent  should    remain    vacant    until    the    next 

17 


annual  meeting.  His  loss  was  deeply  felt.  He 
was  a  loving,  kind,  sympathetic  friend;  a  just, 
honorable,  and  high-minded  Christian  gentleman. 

Mr.  R.  S.  Lewis,  the  assistant  superintendent, 
acted  as  such  until  the  election  in  June,  1870, 
when,  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  teachers, 
he  succeeded  Mr.  Day  as  superintendent.  He 
was  again  elected  at  the  annual  meeting  in 
1 87 1.  Mr.  Lewis  rendered  very  faithful  and 
valuable  services  to  the  school ;  under  his  ad- 
ministration the  interest  was  maintained  in 
every  department  of  Sabbath-school  work.  He 
devoted  his  time  and  whole  soul  to  the  duties 
of  his  office.  At  the  yearly  meeting,  held 
June  3,  1872,  he  was  elected  for  the  third  time. 
Ill  health,  however,  compelled  his  declination  of 
the  office;  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Darby  was  elected, 
and  continued  to  serve  this  school  with  fidelity 
until  June,  1876.  He  gave  time,  care,  patience, 
and  experience  to  the  important  interests  com- 
mitted to  his  guidance. 

Mr.  Cornelius  H.  Clark  succeeded  Mr.  Darby 
as  superintendent  in  June,  1876.  The  work  of 
the  school  continued  to  go  forward  under  Mr. 
Clark's  direction.  He  brought  to  the  discharge 
of  his  duties  a  painstaking  and  consistent  fidel- 
ity to  all  that  appertained  to  his  office.  What- 
ever work   Mr.  Clark   has    undertaken   for   this 

18 


church  and  school,  —  and  it  has  been  both  great 
and  laborious,  —  has  been  faithfully  performed. 

In  June,  1877,  William  H.  Corbin,  Esq.,  was 
elected  superintendent,  and  continued  as  such 
until  his  resignation,  March  17,  1879.  Under 
Mr.  Corbin's  leadership,  and  by  his  introduc- 
tion of  new  and  important  features  in  Sabbath- 
school  work,  a  great  advance  was  made  in 
numbers,  attendance,  and  interest. 

The  present  superintendent  was  elected  March 
17,  1879.  By  the  faithful  labors  of  those  who 
had  preceded  him,  he  found  the  school  in  per- 
fect working  order,  fully  furnished  and  equipped 
in  every  detail  and  department.  He  had  but 
to  continue  the  work.  The  more  than  kind  co- 
operation of  every  officer  and  teacher  has  ren- 
dered that  work  for  the  last  thirteen  years  easy 
and  delightful. 

Grateful  acknowledgment  is  made  to  Mr. 
Louis  E.  A.  De  Goll,  John  Howard  Corwin, 
Esq.,  Mr.  Lewis  Thompson,  William  H.  Corbin, 
Esq.,  and  Mr.  Frederick  K.  Day,  for  their  valu- 
able services  as  assistant  superintendents  during 
the  term  of  their  respective  occupancy  of  that 
office. 

The  work  of  the  superintendent  has  been 
materially  lightened  by  the  cordial  and  efficient 
assistance  of  Mrs.  Anna  P.  Ranney,  lady  super- 

19 


intendent ;  Mr.  Henry  A.  Haines,  Mr.  David  H. 
Pierson,  and  Mr.  Murray  Howe,  secretaries ; 
and  Mr.  Peter  K.  Brown,  Francis  Jordan,  Esq., 
and  Mr.  Charles  F.  Coaney,  treasurers. 

We  cheerfully  record  the  valuable  services 
rendered  to  the  school  in  the  matter  of  floral 
decorations  on  Easter,  Christmas,  and  anniver- 
sary days  by  Mr.  Robert  R.  Pierce  and  Mr. 
Clarence  Berry.  We  are  under  especial  obli- 
gations to  Mr.  Henry  A.  Haines ;  during  his 
term  of  office  he  has  been  the  right  hand  of 
the  superintendent.  The  pastors  of  Westmin- 
ster Church  have  always  and  at  all  times  aided 
the  school,  and  exhibited  a  high  devotion  to  its 
best  interests.  Dr.  William  C.  Roberts,  the  first 
pastor,  Dr.  John  Gillespie,  the  second  pastor, 
and  Dr.  John  W.  Teal,  the  third  and  present 
pastor,  have  all  helped  forward  the  grand  work. 
They  have  been  in  full  and  active  sympathy 
with  the  important  work  of  the  teachers,  and 
have  strengthened  the  hands  and  encouraged 
the  hearts  of  the  superintendents.  It  is  but  a 
just  recognition  of  important  services  rendered, 
that  the  school  gratefully  tenders  to  them  its 
sincere  gratitude  and  thanks.  We  have  been 
in  perfect  harmony  with  them  all.  Their  wish 
has  been  our  wish,  and  our  desires  their  de- 
sires.    It  has  not  been  simply  a  union  in  name, 

20 


and  official  respect  from  one  officer  to  another, 
but  it  has  been  a  perfect  union ;  and  we  be- 
lieve a  deep  reciprocative  respect,  one  for  the 
other,  has  been  felt  on  the  part  of  pastor  and 
superintendent. 

The  library  book,  as  used  in  the  Sabbath- 
school,  has  of  recent  years  been  an  efficient 
agent  —  owned  by  God  and  recognized  by  the 
Church  —  in  planting,  maintaining,  and  protect- 
ing the  truth.  It  has  made  and  left  impressions 
on  thousands  of  hearts  where  the  human  voice, 
in  preaching  and  teaching,  has  failed  to  pene- 
trate and  find  a  lodgment.  It  has  nobly  sec- 
onded the  work  of  pastor  and  teachers.  The 
silent  yet  potent  work  of  the  printed  page  is 
recognized  now,  in  every  Sabbath-school  in  this 
broad  land,  as  second  only  to  the  teaching  of 
the  Word. 

The  founders  of  Westminster  School  early 
appreciated  and  applied  these  truths  to  the  task 
before  them.  On  the  evening  of  Feb.  27,  1866, 
—  the  first  meeting  for  the  organization  of  the 
School,  —  it  was  resolved  to  begin  and  maintain 
a  library.  Mr.  Henry  M.  Baker  was  unani- 
mously chosen  librarian,  and  clothed  with  full 
and  discretionary  power  to  select  and  purchase 
books.  A  wiser  and  better  choice  could  not 
have  been  made.     He  was  pre-eminently  the  man 

21 


S^^^^T^fe^^ 


for  the  place,  and  it  was  pre-eminently  the  place 
for  the  man.  The  first  session  of  the  school  was 
held  just  five  days  after  Mr.  Baker's  election  ; 
and  on  that  first  Sabbath  —  when  other  depart- 
ments were  in  a  more  or  less  incomplete  work- 
ing order  —  he  had  the  library  fully  supplied 
with  books,  and  all  its  machinery  of  catalogues, 
cards,  records,  and  requisitions  in  complete  work- 
ing order.  No  one  supervised  Mr.  Baker's  work 
in  the  library,  either  in  its  arrangement  or  selec- 
tion ;  it  was  his  own,  and  to  this  he  gave  all  his 
experienced  and  cultured  taste. 

Mr.  Henry  M.  Baker  was  our  first  librarian, 
and  continued  to  serve  this  school  in  such  a 
faithful  manner  as  few  men  ever  served  any 
Sabbath-school,  until  his  death  on  the  twenty- 
ninth  day  of  March,  1882. 

Mr.  Frederick  H.  Pierson,  who  had  been  for 
several  years  the  assistant  librarian,  was  elected 
as  Mr.  Baker's  successor  at  the  next  annual 
meeting,  and  has  continued  to  serve  this  school 
with  great  acceptance  to  this  date. 

Mr.  Henry  M.  Baker  was  a  great  deal  more 
to  this  school  than  simply  its  librarian ;  he  was 
its  steadfast  friend,  he  was  one  of  its  counsellors 
and  pilots.  When  in  need  of  Bibles  and  cate- 
chisms, he  supplied  them;  and  of  cards,  requi- 
sitions, and  catalogues,  he  furnished  them,  —  and 

22 


all  at  his  own  cost.  Our  very  complete  Sabbath- 
school  catalogue,  which  we  think  the  most  per- 
fect in  use  in  any  school,  was  the  work  of  Mr. 
Baker.  At  the  centennial  celebration  of  the 
founding  of  Sabbath-schools  held  in  London, 
England,  in  July,  1880,  your  superintendent 
called  the  attention  of  the  convention  to  this 
catalogue.  Nearly  every  land  under  the  sun  was 
represented  at  this  convention  by  delegates.  The 
catalogue  received  the  unanimous  commendation 
of  them  all.  And,  we  may  add,  we  have  received 
letters  since  then  from  the  four  quarters  of  the 
globe,  asking  for  copies  that  they  may  model 
their  catalogues  after  Mr.  Baker's. 

At  the  time  of  Mr.  Baker's  death  we  had 
nine  hundred  volumes  in  our  library ;  all  these, 
with  very  few  exceptions,  were  freely  given  by 
Mr.  Baker  to  our  school.  This  loyalty  to  West- 
minster School,  this  love  for  this  branch  of  the 
dear  Redeemer's  work,  this  self-denial  for  the 
good  of  others,  in  short,  Mr.  Baker's  complete 
devotion  to  this  school  was  so  great,  and  mani- 
fested on  so  many  occasions,  that  by  almost 
spontaneous  action  the  teachers  resolved  to  pre- 
sent a  testimonial  to  him  who  had  labored  and 
given  so  much  for  them  and  the  school ;  and 
so,  at  the  Christmas  entertainment  in  1879,  Dr. 
Pingry,  on  behalf  of  the  officers   and   teachers, 

23 


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({^■■'■■'- 


5  ' 


\y: 


% 


ran  '^wsr.f.w  rr-f-rs^ 


3 


presented  to   Mr.   Baker  a   beautiful    tribute  of 
their  love,  respect,  and  appreciation. 

The  ceiling  and  walls  of  our  schoolroom  were 
beautifully  and  artistically  frescoed  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1880  by  the  liberality  of  our  librarian. 

Our  library  now  numbers  one  thousand  one 
hundred  and  seventy-seven  volumes.  All  the 
increase  since  Mr.  Baker's  death  has  been  given 
by  the  family  of  our  deceased  librarian.  Thus 
the  good  and  blessed  work  which  he  inaugurated 
twenty-five  years  ago  has  been  carried  on  to  this 
day.  A  better  and  more  consistent  friend  West- 
minster Sabbath-school  never  had. 

A  marble  tablet  has  been  set  by  us  in  the 
wall  of  the  schoolroom  in  memory  of  our  friend. 
But  this  tablet  is  not  his  monument.  His  truest 
monument  is  whiter  than  marble,  more  lasting 
than  granite,  and  more  enduring  than  bronze. 
It  is  in  the  heart  and  work  and  lives  of  thou- 
sands. The  influence  of  his  work  will  continue 
here,  and  to  and  throughout  eternity.  God  be 
thanked  for  giving  to  this  school  such  a  friend 
as  Henry  M.  Baker. 

In  the  early  days  of  our  school  we  needed 
friends,  not  only  those  who  taught  therein,  but 
those  who  by  patient  labor,  mature  judgment, 
and  material  assistance  urged,  guided,  and 
aided    us. 

24 


are  the  names:  Mrs.  Henry  M.  Baker,  Mrs. 
Martha  B.  Kellogg,  Mrs.  William  J.  Magie, 
Mrs.  George  T.  Mulford,  Mrs.  E.  M.  Brown, 
Miss  Annie  Crane,  Miss  J.  K.  Little,  Miss  J. 
Kittle,  Miss  Mary  W.  Kellogg,  Miss  Julia  Baker, 
Miss  Mary  P.  Whiting,  Miss  Elizabeth  Mulford, 
and  Miss  Mary  J.  Peck. 

In  the  beginning  of  this  enterprise  we  had 
men,  also,  whose  names  we  gladly  recall  to  your 
remembrance  to-night,  and  who  by  faithful  ser- 
vice are  entitled  to  a  high  place  on  the  roll  of 
honor  of  this  school :  Rev.  David  H.  Pierson, 
whose  fervent  prayers  so  often  ascended  to  the 
throne  of  grace  at  the  opening  services  of  the 
school,  and  who  for  many  months  during  our 
pastor's  absence  in  Europe  was  the  acting  pas- 
tor of  the  church  ;  Ebenezer  Piatt,  faithful  as 
teacher,  ready  and  willing  to  do  anything  for 
the  cause,  and  always  present ;  Charles  L.  Doe, 
active,  full  of  untiring  energy,  industry,  and  en- 
thusiasm for  the  school,  and  whose  voice  in 
leading  the  singing  those  who  have  heard  will 
never  forget;  William  J.  Magie,  Esq.,  who  taught 
the  Bible-class  ;  Henry  Seymour,  secretary  and 
assistant  superintendent ;  Dr.  A.  W.  Kingsley, 
William  P.  Thompson,  Joseph  Cross,  Esq.,  and 
Frederick  K.  Day,  as  teachers. 

Nor  should  we  forget  to  mention  and  call  to 

26 


mind  the  kindly  help  and  generosity  of  Hon. 
Amos  Clark,  Jr.,  in  aiding  us  financially  when 
we  required  aid;  and  we  gratefully  remember 
the  days  when  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  had,  year 
after  year,  the  entire  school  at  their  delightful 
home  and  grounds,  when  and  where  everything 
to  make  the  scholars  happy  was  furnished  with 
lavish  hand. 

With  gratitude  we  recall  the  material  help  we 
received  from  Dr.  Lewis  W.  Oakley,  Mr.  Alan 
W.  Lukins,  Mr.  Jacob  Davis,  and  Mr.  James  E. 
Hedges.  Many  of  these  have  gone  to  their 
reward ;  having  right  to  the  tree  of  life,  they 
have  passed  through  the  gates  into  that  city 
which  hath  foundations.  Let  us  be  faithful  to 
our  trusts,  that  we  may  meet  with  them  at  that 
great  gathering  of  the  Church  of  the  first-born 
in  heaven.  "  Be  thou  faithful  unto  death,  and 
I  will  give  thee  a  crown  of  life." 

Of  those  who  engaged  in  this  work  in  our 
school  twenty-five  years  ago,  we  have  but  seven 
with  us  now,  —  Miss  Mary  W.  Kellogg,  Miss 
Elizabeth  Mulford,  Mrs.  Joseph  Cross,  Mrs. 
E.  M.  Brown,  Dr.  Pingry,  Joseph  Cross,  Esq., 
and  Mr.  Frederick  K.  Day.  What  a  long,  use- 
ful, and  honorable  record!  We  can  measure 
the  years  of  their  self-denying  service ;  but  eter- 
nity  alone  can   measure   the   blessed   results  of 

27 


these  years  of  faithful  labor.  May  these  labor- 
ers in  this  harvest  field  long  be  with  us,  and 
add  more  and  more  to  their  sheaves  of  ripened 
grain  which  they  will  one  day,  amid  songs  of 
rejoicing,  lay  at  the  feet  of  the  Lord  of  the 
Harvest. 

The  singing  in  our  school  from  the  very  be- 
ginning has  been  one  of  its  most  instructive, 
delightful,  and  attractive  features.  The  first 
musical  director  was  Mr.  R.  S.  Lewis ;  under 
his  able  leadership,  aided  by  Mr.  William  C. 
Williams,  the  organist  of  the  church,  the  school 
soon  assumed  a  high  position  in  the  beautiful 
and  effective  rendering  of  the  hymns  on  ordi- 
nary and  anniversary  occasions.  As  a  leader, 
Mr.  Lewis  was  indefatigable ;  always  in  earnest, 
he  infused  his  enthusiasm  into  the  hearts  of  the 
scholars.  His  musical  taste  was  of  the  finest, 
and  his  ability  unquestioned. 

In  1882  the  entire  control  of  the  music  was 
given  into  the  hands  of  Mr.  William  C.  Williams, 
and  continued  under  his  direction  until  June  i, 
1889.  Mr.  Williams  was  not  only  a  musical 
director,  but  a  composer  also ;  the  most  beautiful 
pieces  ever  rendered  by  this  school  at  its  ordi- 
nary service,  and  on  Easter,  Christmas,  and  anni- 
versary occasions,  were  his  compositions.  Two 
of  the  finest  on  the  programme  to-night  are  his. 

28 


We  miss  him  and  his  valuable  work  in  this 
school ;  and  for  all  that  he  has  done  for  us  we 
to-night  render  to  him  our  grateful  thanks. 

While  recording  the  good  and  effective  work 
of  Mr.  Lewis  and  Mr.  Williams,  we  must  not 
forget  Mr.  George  T.  Mulford,  Mr.  Charles  L. 
Doe,  Mr.  Lewis  Thompson,  Mr.  Edward  Big- 
low,  the  assistance  rendered  to  us  on  every  an- 
niversary by  the  late  John  G.  Hulin  and  the 
members  of  our  Sabbath-school  choir. 

We  bear  testimony  to  those  who  served  the 
school  at  the  piano :  Miss  Mary  W.  Kellogg, 
Miss  Henrietta  B.  Brown,  Miss  Charlotte  M. 
King,  William  T.  Day,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  Alfred  H. 
Clark.  We  trust  this  all-important  part  of  Sab- 
bath-school work  will  never  have  a  less  con- 
spicuous place  in  our  school  in  the  future  than 
it  has  had  in  the  past. 

The  attendance  has  ranged  from  one  hundred 
to  three  hundred  and  sixty.  The  time  when  we 
had  the  largest  number  of  scholars  and  the 
best  average  attendance  was  from  1886  to  1889. 
We  have  at  this  date  ten  officers,  thirty-eight 
teachers,  and  two  hundred  and  seventy-eight 
scholars,  making  a  total  of  three  hundred  and 
twenty-six  on  our  Sabbath-school  roll. 

We  have  had  for  many  years  a  roll  of  honor, 
whereon  are  recorded  the   names  of  those  who 

29 


for  punctual  attendance  and  for  keeping  the 
texts  of  sermons  have  earned  the  distinguish- 
ing right  of  having  their  names  printed  thereon. 
This  roll  contains  more  than  six  hundred  names. 

But  there  is  a  still  higher  roll  of  honor  than 
this,  —  the  roll  whereon  is  engraved  the  names  of 
our  scholars  who  have  entered  the  sacred  min- 
istry, and  as  the  ambassadors  of  our  King  are 
telling  the  glad  tidings  of  the  Prince  of  Peace. 
These  are  the  names :  W.  D.  Thomas,  Francis 
S.  Haines,  Chalmers  Martin,  Ivan  D.  Meschoff, 
Paul  Martin,  George  P.  Pierson,  and  George  E. 
Gillespie. 

This  Sabbath-school  was  the  first  to  suggest 
and  introduce  the  sermon  text-books  as  an  in- 
ducement to  the  scholars  to  attend  the  church 
services.  At  the  Sabbath-school  centennial  cele- 
bration in  London,  in  1880,  the  attention  of  that 
great  gathering  was  called  to  our  sermon  text- 
books. Many  of  the  delegates  took  copies  home 
with  them.  We  have  received  numerous  letters 
from  nearly  all  parts  of  the  world  asking  for 
information  about  their  working,  adoption,  and 
success. 

A  publishing  house  in  New  York  three  years 
ago  informed  us  that  nearly  a  quarter  of  a 
million  copies  are  now  used  every  year.  This 
Sabbath-school  was  also  the  first  to  suggest  and 

30 


introduce  the  earthenware  missionary  jugs.  The 
now  celebrated  "  Fishermen's  Jug,"  which  be- 
longs to  this  school,  has  been  copied  in  thou- 
sands of  schools  in  our  land,  and  in  lands 
beyond  the  sea.  Many  thousands  of  dollars 
have  been  collected  in  these  little  jugs  for  the 
cause  of  foreign  missions. 

Our  school,  from  the  time  of  its  first  session 
in  1866  to  its  last  in  1891,  has  taken  an  active 
and  practical  interest  in  missionary  work  at 
home  and  abroad.  Its  first  effort  was  to  aid  in 
building  a  place  of  worship  and  supporting  a 
missionary  among  the  pines,  at  Hammonton, 
New  Jersey.  It  has  aided  young  men  to  pre- 
pare for  and  enter  the  ministry,  —  Americans, 
Germans,  Indians,  and  colored  men.  It  has 
aided  the  districts  smitten  with  yellow  fever 
and  devastated  by  the  floods.  It  has  stretched 
out  a  helping  hand  whenever  the  cry  came, 
"  Come  and  help  us."  It  has  taken  part  in 
building  churches  and  Sabbath-schools.  It  has 
cheerfully  and  liberally  contributed  to  all  the 
Boards  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  'and  for 
two  years  gave  more  to  the  cause  of  foreign 
missions  than  any  other  Presbyterian  Sabbath- 
school  in  North  America.  In  this  general  dis- 
tribution of  its  benefactions  it  has  not  forgotten 
the  poor  of  this  city  nor  its  worthy  charities,  — 

31 


the  Orphan  Asylum,  the  Home  for  Aged  Women, 
and  the  Hospital.  The  contributions  from  this 
school  for  these  purposes  since  its  organization 
amount  to  seventeen  thousand  one  hundred  and 
thirty-seven  dollars.  The  contributions  from  the 
school  toward  our  church  and  schoolroom,  and 
the  extra  expenses  incident  to  our  school-work, 
amount  to  seven  thousand  one  hundred  and 
thirty-five  dollars,  making  a  total  of  twenty-four 
thousand  two  hundred  and  seventy-two  dollars. 
The  contributions  from  any  of  the  mission 
bands,  or  any  organization  other  than  the  Sab- 
bath-school, are  not  included  herein.  These  are 
not  recalled  at  this  time  in  a  spirit  of  self-lauda- 
tion, but  as  a  remembrancer  of  the  past,  and  a 
reminder  of  what  is  expected  of  this  school  in 
the  future. 

The  infant  department  of  our  school  has  been 
under  the  charge  of  Miss  J.  K.  Little,  Miss 
Louise  K.  Day,  and  for  the  last  fifteen  years 
under  Mrs.  Joseph  Cross.  The  present  super- 
intendent of  it  has  labored  with  our  youngest 
scholars  with  an  earnestness  of  purpose,  con- 
tinual presence,  unabated  interest,  and  a  degree 
of  enthusiasm  and  magnetism  which  have  drawn 
the  hearts  of  all  our  scholars  to  her,  and  which 
call  from  us  our  warmest  words  of  commendation. 

One  of  the  most  important  organizations  con- 


nected  with  our  school,  and  which  ably  supple- 
ments the  work  of  pastor  and  teachers,  is  the 
boy's  prayer-meeting.  This  was  organized  by 
Mr.  Frederick  K.  Day  several  years  ago,  and  has 
continued  hitherto.  He  has  given  to  it  thought- 
ful care,  diligent  research  of  the  Word,  a  very 
large  amount  of  time,  and  no  inconsiderable 
amount  of  money.  He  has  for  several  years 
past  gathered  the  boys  of  our  school,  from  ten 
to  eighteen  years  of  age,  every  Saturday  night 
in  the  church  parlor,  for  prayer  and  the  study 
of  some  biblical  theme.  The  subjects  and  ref- 
erences are  neatly  printed  on  cards,  and  distrib- 
uted or  sent  to  every  member  the  week  previous 
to  the  meeting.  The  attendance  has  been  good ; 
the  interest  has  never  failed ;  and  the  advance 
made  has  been  noticeable  to  all.  Mr.  Day  is 
especially  qualified  for  this  all-important  work; 
and  this  school  is  fortunate  in  finding  in  one 
willing  to  do  this  work  a  person  so  thoroughly 
devoted  to  it,  and  who  has  brought  such  conse- 
cration of  talents  and  time  to  this  branch  of 
the  Master's  service. 

It  is  impossible  to  carry  on  the  work  of  the 
Sabbath-school  without  a  strong,  well-equipped 
band  of  faithful  and  efficient  teachers.  This 
school  has  been  singularly  blessed  in  this  re- 
spect.    From    the   date    of    its    organization    to 

33 


this  time  we  have  had  faithful,  efficient,  self- 
denying  teachers,  —  not  simply  those  profess- 
ing faith  in  Christ,  which  we  admit  is  the  great 
and  paramount  requirement,  but  those  fitted 
by  education,  experience,  tact,  judgment,  and 
patience  for  the  leading  and  guiding  of  the 
young  to  the  green  pastures  and  still  waters 
of  God's  word  and  kingdom.  Nor  is  this  all ; 
the  daily  life  has  so  harmonized  with  the  great 
truths  taught  that  the  young  have  learned  by 
example  and  not  simply  by  precept.  And  yet 
who  is  able  for  these  things  ?  Not  by  or  in 
ourselves,  but  by  the  manifestation  and  guidance 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  by  the  indwelling  of 
that  light  which  cometh  from  Him  who  is  the 
light  of  the  world,  are  we  enabled  to  labor  in 
this  blessed  work. 

That  the  great  Head  of  the  Church  has  owned 
and  blessed  the  work  of  pastor  and  teachers  is 
sufKciently  manifest  in  the  success  of  the  school 
for  the  last  twenty-five  years,  and  especially  in 
the  gracious  ingathering  of  three  hundred  and 
sixty-four  precious  souls  who  have  not  been 
ashamed  to  stand  up  for  Jesus  and  publicly 
confess  Him  before  men  and  angels.  This  is 
the  touchstone  by  which  we  measure  and  gauge 
the  success  of  our  school.  However  increased 
it  may  be  in  numbers,  however  punctual  in  at- 

34 


tendance,  however  large  its  missionary  and  great 
its  benevolent  contributions,  however  proficient 
in  its  singing  and  inspiring  in  its  services,  these 
will  amount  to  nothing  and  be  less  than  ashes 
under  our  feet  unless  the  children  are  brought 
to  Christ,  the  children's  Friend.  May  you  not 
weary  in  this  ennobling  work  of  planting  pre- 
cious seed;  you  are  sowing  it  for  Him,  and  in 
His  name;  the  reaping  is  His  also,  and  in  His 
time  you  will  sing  the  harvest  home. 

And  now,  with  my  last  words,  let  me  thank 
you,  my  ever  faithful  officers  and  teachers,  from 
a  full  and  overflowing  heart,  for  all  the  aid,  sym- 
pathy, and  enthusiastic  support  given  to  me  for 
these  thirteen  years.  It  has  been,  and  is,  a 
pleasure  to  labor  with  you.  No  superintend- 
ent could  desire  a  more  faithful  and  personally 
devoted  band  of  colaborers  than  I  have  ever 
found  in  you. 

Officers  and  teachers,  your  work  for  Christ  in 
this  school  will  never,  never  die.  We  will  all 
pass  away  and  be  forgotten.  Marble  shaft  and 
granite  slab  will  crumble  and  one  day  mingle 
with  the  dust  from  whence  they  came;  the 
crowns  of  mighty  conquerors  and  crafty  poli- 
ticians will  fade;  bat  the  ever-increasing  years, 
as  eternity  garners  up  the  precious  souls,  will 
make  your  crowns  to  bud  with  a  freshness  and 

35 


bloom   with   a  glory  and  grandeur  that  will  be 
immortal. 

"  The  arrow  is  flown, 
Our  work  it  is  done, 
And  the  year  of  the  Lord  rushes  rapidly  on. 
Oh,  that  each  in  the  day 
Of  His  coming  may  say, 
'  I  have  fought  my  way  through  ; 
I  have  finished  the  work  which  Thou  gavest  me  to  do  ! ' 
Oh,  that  each  from  the  Lord 
May  receive  the  glad  word, 
'  Well  and  faithfully  done  ! 
Enter  into  my  joy,  and  sit  down  on  my  throne.'  " 


36 


THE  FISHERMEN'S  JUG. 

By  the  Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.D.,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions. 


37 


THE   FISHERMEN'S  JUG.^ 

By  the  Rev.  John  Gillespie,  D.  D.,  Secretary  of  the  Board  of 
Foreign  Missions. 


EAUTIFUL,  is  it  not?  But  it  is 
useful  as  well  as  beautiful.  Within 
the  past  two  years  it  has  poured 
into  the  treasury  of  the  Board  of  Foreign  Mis- 
sions more  than  many  of  our  large  churches 
have  done.  A  wonderful  jug,  surely!  and  it  has 
a  wonderful  history.  Let  me  tell  it.  Do  you 
see  that  beautiful  speckled  trout  jumping  to 
catch  the  fisherman's  fly?  It  is  supposed  to  be 
a  Salmon  River  trout.  Salmon  River  is  a  silvery 
mountain  stream  that  flows  down  the  western 
slope  of  the  Adirondacks  and  empties  into  Lake 
Ontario.  Some  twenty-five  or  thirty  miles  from 
the  mouth   of   the  stream   there   is   a  charmino^ 

o 

enclosure  called  Edrington  Park.  Through  this 
park  the  river  flows  in  many  a  graceful  curve. 
Little   gems   of   islands  dot  it   here  and   there, 

i  From  "Children's  Work  for  Children,"  April,  1887. 

38 


while  one  or  two  larger  islands,  heavily  wooded, 
form  delightful  resting-places  for  the  weary  fish- 
ermen. That  park  is  what  is  called  a  "  trout 
preserve."  It  is  a  most  delightful  place  for 
trout-fishing,  and  by  means  of  fences  and  watch- 
ful friends  it  is  preserved  against  all  comers  for 
the  use  of  its   owner  and  his  guests. 

Now  it  so  happens  that  the  owner  of  that 
mountain  park  is  the  superintendent  of  one  of 
our  large  and  wide-awake  Sabbath-schools.  He 
is  one  of  those  superintendents,  moreover,  who 
believe  that  children  ought  to  be  trained  to  give 
to  various  mission  objects  through  the  Boards 
of  our  own  Church.  He  thinks  also  that  the 
amounts  given  should  bear  some  proportion  to 
the  importance  of  the  causes  presented.  Be- 
cause of  this  he  insists  that  more  should  be 
given  to  foreign  missions  than  to  any  other  one 
object,  as  the  field  is  larger  and  the  need  greater. 
To  secure  this  end,  in  addition  to  the  usual  col- 
lection for  foreign  missions  made  in  the  school 
during  the  months  of  March  and  April,  some 
two  years  ago  he  gave  to  each  teacher  and 
scholar  a  missionary  jug.  It  was  distinctly  an- 
nounced that  these  jugs  were  to  be  regarded 
as  thanksgiving  JMgs.  The  money  dropped  into 
them  was  to  be  an  expression  of  thanks  for 
blessings   received. 

39 


Many  of  these  jugs  were  beautifully  decorated, 
most  of  them  by  the  hands  of  the  teachers  or 
scholars  themselves.  The  superintendent,  how- 
ever, had  his  jug  decorated  by  a  well-known 
artist,  and  in  accordance  with  the  instincts  and 
taste  of  a  fisherman.  Who  will  say  it  was  not 
well  done  ? 

When  the  season  for  trout-fishing  rolled 
around,  and  the  little  company  of  invited  guests 

—  comprising  ministers,  lawyers,  and  merchants 

—  set  their  faces  once  more  toward  Edrington 
Park,  the  decorated  jug  was  carefully  packed  and 
taken  along.  By  common  consent  it  was  put  in 
a  conspicuous  place,  so  that  the  fishermen  as 
they  returned  from  the  day's  sport  might  be  re- 
minded of  the  blessings  they  had  enjoyed,  and 
make  a  grateful  acknowledgment  by  dropping 
something  into  the  jug.  If  that  little  trout  could 
speak  it  could  tell  you  many  an  amusing  story 
of  how  the  blessino^s  were  measured  and  their 
value  determined  when  the  day's  work  was  done. 
When  the  season  was  over  the  jug  remained  in 
the  hands  of  the  superintendent  —  who  still  kept 
dropping  in  the  silver  as  the  days  went  by  — 
until  the  jubilee  for  the  jug-breaking  was  held. 
When  the  fishermen's  jug  was  reached,  and  the 
concave  bottom  gently  tapped,  how  much  do 
you  suppose  it  was   found   to  contain  ?     Fifty- 

40 


eight  dollars  !  In  addition  to  this,  when,  with 
the  other  decorated  jugs,  it  was  put  up  at  auc- 
tion, one  of  the  fishermen,  determined  not  to 
lose  it,  kept  bidding  on  it  till  he  finally  secured 
it  for  ten  dollars  and  twenty-five  cents.  "  Well 
done  for  the  fishermen's  jug!"  you  say.  Yes, 
well  done.  But  more  and  better  remains  to  be 
told. 

Such  a  jug  was  not  to  be  regarded  as  a  mere 
piece  of  bric-a-brac  to  adorn  some  parlor.  It 
was  too  valuable  to  foreign  missions.  So  when 
new  jugs  were  distributed  to  the  school  for  an- 
other year,  the  fishermen's  jug  was  neatly  re- 
paired, and  it  went  forth  once  more  to  remind 
the  anglers  of  their  blessings,  and  to  collect  the 
thank-offerings  for  the  year.  A  few  weeks  ago 
it  again  appeared  in  the  Sabbath-school,  for 
teachers  and  scholars  had  once  more  assembled 
with  their  hundreds  of  little  consecrated  treasu- 
ries to  present  them  before  the  Lord.  What 
a  beautiful  sight  it  was!  The  jugs  were  taste- 
fully arranged  in  tiers  on  a  neat  frame-work 
made  for  the  purpose,  —  something  like  the  ar- 
rangement your  mothers  have  for  plants  in  the 
family  sitting-room.  Imagine  the  surprise  and 
delight  of  all  when  the  fisherman  who  had 
bought  the  jug  last  year  stepped  forward  with 
it  in   his   hand,  and   announced   that  the  silver 

41 


had  turned  to  gold  this  year,  and  that  the  jug 
contained  one  hundred  dollars  in  gold !  When 
the  appointed  exercises  connected  with  the  jug- 
breaking  had  been  concluded,  and  a  season  of 
social  fellowship  enjoyed  while  the  contents  of 
the  jugs  were  being  counted,  the  decorated  jugs 
were  offered  for  sale.  To  the  astonishment  of 
all,  the  fishermen's  jug  was  started  at  twenty- 
five  dollars  !  The  bids  rose  at  once  to  thirty 
dollars,  forty  dollars,  fifty  dollars,  till  finally  the 
jug  was  knocked  down  to  one  of  the  gentlemen 
at  two  hundred  dollars.  Should  you  chance  to 
step  into  the  well-appointed  Sabbath-school  room 
of  the  Westminster  Church  of  Elizabeth,  N.  J., 
you  will  see  that  historic  jug  neatly  enclosed 
in  a  glass  case.  There  it  is  to  remain,  except 
when  loaned  to  the  fishermen  during  their  an- 
nual visit  to  Edrington  Park.  Thus,  at  the 
urgent  request  of  your  editor,  I  have  told  you 
the  story  of  the  "Fishermen's  Jug,"  which,  in 
less  than  two  years,  has  given  to  the  cause  of 
foreign  missions  three  hundred  and  sixty-eight 
dollars  and  twenty-five  cents.  It  may  interest 
you  to  know  that  the  outcome  of  the  recent 
jug-breaking  in  the  entire  school  amounted  to 
the  handsome  sum  of  seven  hundred  and  thirty 
dollars. 

42 


CHURCH  ATTENDANCE. 


43 


CHURCH   ATTENDANCE.^ 

HE  Westminster  Presbyterian  Church 
of  Elizabeth,  N.  J.,  does  several  things 
which  show  a  godly  ingenuity  on  the 
part  of  somebody.  Among  others  is  one  re- 
ported in  the  "  Sunday-school  Times."  A  little 
book  is  provided  for  every  scholar  in  the  Sunday- 
school  who  desires  it,  in  which  he  can  enter  the 
pastor's  text  for  each  Sunday's  sermon.  The 
page  recording  the  text  is  to  be  signed  by  the 
scholar,  and  on  the  following  Sunday  it  is  to 
receive  the  teacher's  signature,  if  the  scholar's 
entry  has  been  correctly  made.  At  the  close 
of  the  year  these  books  are  handed  in  to  the 
superintendent,  and  those  scholars  who  have 
attended  church  throughout  the  year,  and  have 
kept  a  record  of  texts  accordingly,  are  to  be 
duly  recognized  at  the  Christmas  service.     "  The 

1  From  "  Westminster  Teacher,"  May,  1880. 

44 


text-book  will  then  be  given  back  to  the  scholar  " 
for  permanent  preservation.  The  form  of  the 
blank  for  this  record  is  as  follows:  — 


Sabbath, 188 

Sermon  by 

Text : Chapter  of Verse 


J 


The  above  is  correct. 

■■■ Teacher.  ^  Scholar. 


Such  a  plan,  in  this  or  some  other  form,  will 
certainly  tend  to  keep  up  a  steady  church  at- 
tendance and  attention  on  the  part  of  the  young 
people  who  have  not  Christian  parents  to  lead 
them  regularly  to  the  house  of  God. 


45 


:on    Theological   Semmary-Spt 


1    1012  01035  3185 


